How to Care for Your Matte and Unglazed Tableware

How to Care for Your Matte and Unglazed Tableware
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Catalonia Plates .

If you’re someone who’s into Scandinavian tablescaping, you know that matte pieces go hard. There's something about that raw, textured finish that just makes everything look more intentional, like the chef really thought about how your food should be presented.

However, these plates are kind of high-maintenance. Not in an impossible way, but definitely more so than your standard glazed dinnerware.

Below, we’ll show you how to keep every piece looking clean, professional, and presentation-ready without compromising its texture or charm.

Why Matte and Unglazed Dinnerware Needs Special Care

To understand why maintenance is so important, you need to understand what kind of tableware you’re working with.

No Gloss, No Barrier

Unlike glossy tableware pieces with a protective coating, matte surfaces are more porous. That means oils and acids can seep into the material. Matte finishes, even when lightly sealed, still tend to hold onto stains more than their glossy counterparts.

Textured and Natural

Matte tableware is desirable due to its natural texture, subtle color variations, and organic feel. But with their beautiful textures and earthy look comes a trade-off. It has more surface area for stains to cling to, and no glaze to keep liquids out.

Common Issues with Matte and Unglazed Tableware

If you’ve been using matte tableware for a while, you’ve probably encountered some of these:

  • Stains from turmeric, wine, dark sauces, or balsamic reductions
  • Grease marks that don’t fully rinse out
  • Cutlery marks and scratches
  • Water spots or streaks after machine washing
  • General discoloration over time

Daily Best Practices for Matte Plate Maintenance

The good news? Preventive care goes a long way. Here are the golden rules for daily use.

Rinse Immediately After Service

Right after service, especially with strongly colored foods, rinse the plate under lukewarm water. This prevents pigment and oil from setting into the porous surface. The longer pigmented substances remain in contact with the surface, the deeper they penetrate.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Tools

When we see a stubborn stain, our first instinct is to grab that steel wool and scrub it. But that’s exactly what you don’t want to do. Those rough scrubbers will scratch up your matte finish fast.

Stick with the gentle stuff like soft sponges and microfiber cloths. For stubborn spots, allow cleaning solutions to work rather than applying excessive pressure. Little circular motions work way better on matte dinnerware.

Use pH-Neutral Soap

A lot of the dish soaps we use every day are actually pretty harsh. They can cut through grease on regular dishes, but that same strength can be rough on matte surfaces. You want something that’s pH neutral, not harsh chemicals, bleach, or highly alkaline soaps.

Handwashing is the Key

Sure, throwing everything in the dishwasher is so much easier. But for your matte pieces, hand washing really is the way to go. Use lukewarm water and pay extra attention to any textured areas where food might get stuck.

Is dishwasher use necessary? Choose gentle cycles with lower temperatures and skip the heated dry cycle. Once done, remove items while still damp to prevent water spots.

Air-Dry Completely

This one’s important. Don’t stack your plates while they’re still damp. These surfaces are porous, which means if there’s moisture trapped anywhere, you could end up with funky smells or even mildew.

Rotate Usage

Have a few favorite pieces that you always reach for? Try to rotate them with the rest of your collection. Using the same plates over and over will make them look different from the rest of your set pretty quickly. Regular rotation ensures consistent aging and maintains a uniform look across your collection.

Removing Stains from Matte and Unglazed Surfaces

No matter how careful you are, stains are going to happen. It’s frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to get your pieces back to pristine.

1. Baking Soda Paste

This item’s probably already in your kitchen cabinet. Just mix some baking soda with enough water to make a thick paste. Spread it over the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The baking soda will help lift the stain without being too aggressive on the surface.

After 15 minutes, just rub it in gently with a soft cloth. No need to scrub hard because baking soda is doing most of the work for you. Rinse it off thoroughly afterward.

2. White Vinegar Soak

Got oily stains on your matte plates or bowls? A vinegar soak works wonders. Just fill a basin with warm water and pour in a generous splash of white vinegar. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before you rinse the plate.

3. Oxygen Bleach (Non-Chlorine)

For persistent organic stains, use oxygen bleach like OxiClean diluted in water. Soak for 1 hour, then rinse well. Just whatever you do, don't use regular bleach on these pieces.

Storage Tips to Prevent Damage and Discoloration

So, you’ve got your plates all clean and beautiful. Now what? How you store them is actually a bigger deal than you might think.

Stack with Protection

Never stack matte or unglazed pieces directly on top of each other. Get yourself some felt pads, cork rounds, or even cloth napkins to put between each plate. It sounds fussy, but it takes literally two seconds and will save your plates from micro-scratches.

For valuable pieces, consider individual storage compartments or protective wrapping.

Keep Air Circulating

Did you know that matte pieces absorb moisture from the air? If you stuff them in a tight, poorly ventilated cabinet, this is a recipe for disaster.

Keep them somewhere with decent air circulation. An open shelf actually works great to avoid moisture build-up. If you need to use a cabinet, just make sure it’s not packed tight and gets opened regularly.

Skip the Metal Storage

If you’re using plate racks or shelf organizers, stick with wood or plastic. Metal can scratch these surfaces, especially if things shift around when you’re grabbing dishes.

Matte Dinnerware Picks from Catalonia Plates

As a trusted distributor of Pordamsa, we are proud to present you with a stunning selection of matte plates and bowls that pair beautifully with modern and haute cuisine plating. Here are some top recommendations:

Gastro Matte Collection

Are you looking to bring a sleek, contemporary edge to your plating? The Gastro Collection in matte finish does exactly that. With its smooth, spacious surface and velvety texture, it gives the perfect stage for colorful sauces, glazes, and microgreens.

Try:

Marea Collection

Introducing the Marea Collection. It’s got these flowing, wave-like curves that honestly make you want to just sit and stare at it for a while. The whole collection is inspired by how water moves and the way tides roll in and out.

The matte finish is what really makes it special, though. It has this almost velvety texture that makes everything you put on it look more intentional.

Try:

Altaita Cutlery Collection

Cutlery isn’t just available in a glossy finish. Matte flatware also exists, like our very own Altaita Collection.

The matte finish of this cutlery set is what catches most people’s attention. It’s not shiny and flashy, but it’s not dull either. It’s got this soft, almost powdery texture that feels really nice in your hand. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, the spoons, forks, and knives won’t deteriorate easily.

Nectar Collection

If you’re tired of the same old flat presentation, this is your excuse to try something new. The Nectar Collection has mixed glossy and matte finishes in the same place. The contrast gives it this depth that makes you want to keep looking at it.

The most important thing is it’s a conversation starter. You put food on this thing and people immediately want to know where you got it, how it was made, what inspired it.

Try:

The Bottom Line

Yes, matte and unglazed tableware requires a little bit more TLC. But for chefs who see plating as an extension of storytelling, that attention to detail is worth every effort.

When properly maintained, our handcrafted matte pieces bring a sense of craftsmanship and refinement to every course. Each tableware piece lets your creations shine with quiet confidence.

Here are Catalonia Plates, we believe that great presentation starts with choosing the right tableware pieces. Looking for more tableware options? Explore the full range of our handcrafted collections and find the perfect pieces for you!

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